Joe Espada is suddenly right in the middle of Seattle’s managerial search.
The former Astros manager has emerged as a finalist for the Mariners’ open job, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Seattle had been tied to Espada early in the process, even before Houston formally decided not to renew his contract a couple of weeks ago.
That makes Espada an unusual but very real name to watch. He wasn’t the obvious pick many would have expected to hear attached to the Mariners, but he is clearly deep into the search now.
Per MLB.com, the 51-year-old is one of at least two candidates meeting with Seattle’s front office at T-Mobile Park this week for in-person interviews. Those meetings also include the retained coaching staff.
Espada is set to interview alongside Cubs director of player development Jason Kanzler. Former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had also been scheduled, but he has since withdrawn because of family considerations, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
This is the third round of interviews for Espada, after virtual meetings earlier this month. He spent three seasons as Houston’s manager and won two American League West titles, in 2024 and 2026.
Seattle, which won the 2025 division title and reached Game 7 of the ALCS, knows Espada well from years of facing him. The Astros went 12-25 against the Mariners over the past three seasons, and 2026 was especially rough, with Houston finishing 3-13 against Seattle.
Espada was Houston’s bench coach from 2018-23 before taking over when Dusty Baker retired.
Kanzler, meanwhile, comes into the search as another former Astro. He was on Baker’s staff in 2022 during Houston’s World Series title season, though unlike Espada, he does not have managerial experience.
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